"i have both vandies and thiels, the babies of each family. the vandies, even the smallest models, NEED a LARGE listening room, the dealer’s listening room was about 20’ by 40’, they sounded as designed in that large space [holographic imaging, on the mellow side of neutral]. but if you are in a small room, they lose their imaging magic and become boxy and very shouty around the crossover point."
While I think the Vandies could benefit from larger spaces, I don’t think they lose their imaging ability in small spaces. I’ve had/ have Vandy 1ci’s and Treos in my small 11’ x 13’ room and both image QUITE well. After taking out half of my room treatments and the huge rug on the floor, my Treos are now doing that magical disappearing act.
I really think that Richard V. is correct when he states that most people over treat their room. We need some of those reflections to provide our ears with the cues that give us information about the space we are listening in.
Now back to our regularly scheduled program.